'Unusual event' at Perry Nuclear Power Plant

An "unusual event" was declared at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant on Wednesday morning after workers found elevated carbon monoxide levels.

At about 10:20 a.m. a group of workers were at the plant preparing to do some welding work when a high carbon monoxide reading was detected, said Jennifer Young, spokesperson for First Energy.

The "unusual event" the plant declared signifies the lowest risk warning, said Young.

After the workers left the room, the carbon monoxide levels were found to be slightly elevated at 34 parts per million, but it was still below the permissible exposure limit of 50 ppm set by the Occupational and Safety Health Administration, Young said.

Advertisement

Investigators found a leaking pressurized bottle of acetylene, a compound used in welding work.

"That (bottle) is the most likely cause of the alarm," Young said.

The incident did not affect the operation of the plant and was in a completely different building from the nuclear reactor. Additionally, No radiological material was dispersed and there was no harm to any workers nor the environment, Young said.

"This response really reflects the conservative nature of the attitude with nuclear power," Young said.

The incident was handled by safety crews on site. No outside fire departments responded.